A Smith County jailer was arrested Friday after it was discovered he had been delivering contraband, including narcotics, to inmates at the county's low- to medium-risk jail.

Sheriff Larry Smith said the investigation into Kennon Olison began about six weeks ago when information was received that the jailer was providing inmates with the contraband, which is defined as any item which, relating to its nature, is illegal to be held or sold.

Sheriff Smith said that he placed Olison under surveillance several weeks ago after the information was received by the Special Services Unit indicating Olison was responsible for providing illegal contraband and controlled substances within the Low-Risk Detention Facility. The Sheriff’s Office has been conducting this investigation in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office.

When he was arrested, Smith said Olison was in possession of a controlled substance.

Following Olison's arrest, Smith said detention officers did a shakedown of the men's dorms at the facility to locate other contraband.

However, he said only minor items were found, including a tattoo gun.

"When I ran for this office, I said that the Smith County Sheriff's Office would clean its own house and that each employee will be held to a higher standard than the general public. That's exactly what we continue to do as we have exhibited today," he said.

Smith said Olison had some minor infractions in his file, including disciplinary actions for not following protocol.

The investigation continues and Smith said there could be further developments in the case, but he does not believe any additional employees were involved in the contraband issue.

Olison is jailed on three counts of prohibitive substance/item in a correctional facility, a third-degree felony. His bond was set at $75,000 for the three counts.